Download Origins of the Rensaissance

SOL.2-Renaissance
Student Handouts
The Origins of the Renaissance

The Renaissance began around 1300 A.D. and lasted until around 1600
A.D.
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
It was a time of cultural awakening for Europe
Renaissance: “Rebirth”. Gateway to modern times. Transition period
from Medieval to Modern Worlds.
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Renaissance writers felt that the Middle Ages had nothing to
contribute to society.

The Renaissance was also a time of reforming education. People began
to develop new ideas about self and the world around them.

Origins were in the northern Italian city-states
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Because Italy was not united, individuals could pursue their ideas
with more freedom.

5 City-States of Italy: Milan, Florence, Venice, Papal States (Rome), and
Naples

Italy was culturally and economically more prepared for the Renaissance
because :
1) no central authority/ individual freedoms
2) center of international trade
Humanism:

Italy was a good place for Humanists to study because:
1) Believed in the revival of classic Greek and Latin literature.
2) Connected with the Byzantine Empire through trade. They preserved
learning of the Ancient Greeks.

Humanists believed learning about the “classics” was the key to
reforming society (Society was in need of reform because of the “Dark
Ages”.

Early Humanists were orators, poets, and writers.
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They studied original manuscripts….similar to studying primary
sources today.

Humanists thought that Greek and Roman ideals would help people seek
daily fulfillment. This was opposed to the Middle Ages where people
expected little comfort in this life.
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SOL.2-Renaissance
Student Handouts
Education in the Renaissance

Humanists believed the individual had self-dignity and worth to society.
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
Consequently, they strongly supported education for everyone.
3 Aspects of Renaissance Education:
1) People should lead a meaningful life. Studying the “classics” could make
it meaningful
2) Instead of working for the next life, work for this one.
3) Individual should push ones self mentally and physically.

The independent mindset that developed during the Renaissance
manifested itself in all areas of life.
New Social Orders of the Renaissance

Italy developed a new social class based on wealth and ability (not
birth)

Merchants and bankers were the most powerful people in Italy during
this period.
Why? Trade. Merchants and Bankers gained wealth through trade and
used their money to fund the spread of new ideas.

Consequently, these wealthy people supported Writers, Artists,
and Scientists
Why were independent merchants able to have so much influence in Italy
during this time? They worked outside of the church’s influence. (city-state
structure allowed them to do so)
Key Italian City-States
Florence
Florence was ruled by the Medici Family
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They were incredibly wealthy and sponsored artists,
philosophers, and writers.
Rome- By 1500 A.D. replaced Florence as the leading Renaissance city.

Various Popes rebuilt churches in the city of Rome.

St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Venice- Wealthiest state. Funded the advancement of new ideas.
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